Community helps hundreds of animals at risk of being euthanized

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — More than 400 animals on a New Smyrna Beach property that were at risk of being euthanized are moving to a new home.

Tina Richardson, the owner of the Forever Farm Animal Sanctuary, was being evicted and had problems finding a place to relocate the animals.

“They’re going to go and have a good life, but it’s bittersweet because I’m not going to be with them,” Richardson said.

Richardson’s property is bank-owned, and with no place for her animals to go, there was a possibility they would have to be put down.

But the community stepped in to help her out.

In addition to about 500 emails from people wanting to help, Richardson’s phone hasn’t stopped ringing since Channel 9 reported about Richardson’s sanctuary on Wednesday.

“It’s blown me away. People really, really care,” said Richardson.

Steven Koralewic, of Florida Adventures and Paradise, was one of many who stepped in to help.

“We have the land, we have the employees, we have the know-how to take care of these animals,” said Koralewicz.

His crew can’t take the dogs and cats, but they’re loading up the rest, which includes a lot of farm animals.

“You know they’re going to be OK, but it’s like, ripping my heart out,” Richardson said.

The animal rescue agrees to keep the animals until Richardson finds a new place she can afford to live in and continue her sanctuary.

Cox Media Group